Hello Glad i found this forum.as a newbie this post may be longer than most..I have graves disease,graves eye disease,degenerative disc disease,arthritis prosriasis,psoratic arthritis,high bp,high cholesterol just to name a few. I see about 5 or 6 different types of drs regularly.. I have had psoriasis for over 15 yrs it is everywhere. Graves disease is an auto immune disease. I currently take synthroid. Now on th my question. already had both big toenails removed due ro psoriasis in them. Now both thumbs are affected. feels like i have bamboo shoots under my nails. when i saw dermatologist in nov 2006 he gave me a script for cream.Of course aetna said no. No problem as there was no way to get cream under nails. he said he would give me rthe name of a plastic surgeon just to call him.well i left 3 messages & he never called back. so i scheduled myself an appt @ rheumatologist i go in about 3 wks.. I have suspressed immune system so dermatologist said i can only try the new injectables in february as a last resort.I have has spinal fusion surgery(cervical) and the lumber spine has 3 disc that are split open. Both of my nuerologist have retired. so i now see a pain management dr for percoset as i cannot even get up & down on my own most days.I also need to mention i have emphysemea & copd.I realoy need to be able to use my thumbs has anyone else had a problem with fingernail involvement???? because of the graves disease drs dont allow me preendisone either..do you think a rheumotoligist will be able to help me. btw i am 42 yrs old
thanks
Denise
Oh my! You have more than your rightful share of problems, Candy.
I have psoriatic arthritis and the two main medications that I have been on are methotrexate, which I am no longer taking...and enbrel, which has worked like a miracle for me. It has alleviated my arthritis stiffness and pain 100%, and has all but eliminated my psoriasis, which was mostly affecting behind my ears, my elbows, around my navel, and my knee caps. I have one small patch on my right elbow now, and that's it. I did have some minor pitting in my fingernails, but I get regular manicures and have my manicurist put a thin layer of acrylic over my natural nail to keep it strong. It seems to work very well.
It definitely does sound like you need a whole team of doctors to manage your health. I don't know if enbrel is an option for you because it also tends to lower your immune system. Ask your Rheumatologist about it to be sure. I wish you well, and I hope you will stick around and keep us updated. I have received lots of encouragement and good advice on this forum.
Blessings,
Claire